I know, my Irish mother is probably reading this post right now, the day before The Day (as we refer to St. Patrick’s Day in my house) and wondering where on earth she went wrong…but I promise that if you look around a little on this website and many others you can absolutely find recipes for Irish brown bread and scones and many other delicacies from the land of my ancestors. But I’m guessing this is the only place you are going to find the delicious travesty that is shepherd’s pie quesadillas. Crisp tortillas stuffed with a mixture of tender beef and carrots, mashed potatoes, and a little bit of cheddar cheese. Irish cheddar cheese, please…we need to be authentic. Let’s make it!
My Mama’s Potted Cheese
This recipe for potted cheese is one that is indelibly etched in my childhood memories. My mama would often make it for dinner parties, and I remember my brother and I being allowed to stay up late in our pajamas to help pass the hors d’oeuvres, which included rumaki, pineapple chunks wrapped in bacon, and this potted cheese. It was the height of elegance, and while we had to go to bed before the main course so I don’t have any intel on what that tended to be (maybe my mama will leave a comment and enlighten us) I still remember the deliciousness that was this tangy spreadable cheese in its cute little pot. Let’s go back in time and make it!
Chili Macaroni and Cheese
So, pretend with me for a moment that your favorite mac and cheese recipe and your favorite taco recipe had a baby made out of creamy cheddar cheese and macaroni goodness mixed with spicy ground beef and topped with crumbled up crunchy tortilla chips. Got that in your mind? Welcome to my chili macaroni and cheese, which is all of that deliciousness baked up in your favorite casserole dish and just in time for those chilly winter nights when the ravenous kids are around. Let’s make it!
Creamy Tuna Melts
I’m always and forever helpless in the face of a tuna melt – my favorite diner food after bacon egg and cheese on a roll – so I am doing that thing I do with classic recipes that are near and dear to my heart. And by that I mean I am messing with success by trying as many different spins as I can think of in an effort to eat as many tuna melts as humanly possible. In this case, I added a secret ingredient that had the Southern husband extremely concerned about his dinner prospects that night…but I’m happy to report that it turned out creamy, dreamy and delicious. Want to to take your tuna melts to luxurious new heights? Let’s make it!
Fresh Corn Nachos
Summertiiiiiiiiiiime, and the living is easy! Especially if you decide to make nachos for dinner. And especially if you swap out the jarred salsa and make these fresh corn nachos instead. Filling in for that jarred stuff is a quick and scrumptious conglomeration of fresh corn kernels, some chopped red onion, and a little lime juice. Add in some chopped avocado, a little melted cheddar, some dollops of sour cream and a sprinkling of chili powder and you have the fresh summertime version of everyone’s favorite nibble. Ready to summertime up your nachos? Let’s make it!
Lillian’s Cheese Dip
Today not only am I going to tell you how to make this spicy, creamy, bet-you-can’t-eat-just-one-bite cheese dip, but I’m also going to tell you about two of the most special people I know. I’m going to tell you about an astonishing gesture of love that started out as a brave and beautiful gift between the the two of the them, that has now turned into a project that supports hundreds of people. I’m going to give away what is without a doubt the most precious and unique item I’ve ever given away on this site. And yes, I’m going to tell you how all of this circles back to a mama named Lillian, and the love she put in to taking care of her family. Including this cheese dip. Let’s make it.